Kiwi motorcycle racer Damon Rees has died in the UK following a medical event.
The 28-year-old from Bay of Plenty had been in intensive care in Hull Hospital after the medical event, which was not related to racing.
His wife Talia Rees confirmed his passing on social media, saying: “Iam heartbroken. I love you Damon Rees – you are now my guardian angel.
“Your heart was just too big for this world, and now we all hold a piece of you,” she wrote in the post.
Talia Rees had earlier posted that his condition was critical but stable. He’d had surgery but was responding well, a post the day before his passing said.
In a statement, Motorcycling New Zealand shared their condolences.
“We ask that our Motorcycling family take a moment to give respects to an engaging, competitive young man who still had much to give to the sport of Motorcycling.
“His dedicated approach to everything he wanted to do, his infectious personality and his wicked sense of humour made his time with us truly unforgettable.
“We wish to send our condolences, love and support to his amazing wife Talia, all the Rees family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him back in his native New Zealand.”
A British Superbike Championship statement read: “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and team of Damon Rees this morning.
Damon Rees competing in the British Superbike Championship in 2021. Photo / Michael Wincott
“He was a popular rider within the paddock since joining the series and he will be sadly missed after losing his fight with an unexpected medical condition.”
